Open AccessFeasibility of an Emotion Regulation Intervention for Patients in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Author(s) -
Kelly L. Wierenga,
David M. Fresco,
Megan L. Alder,
Shirley M. Moore
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
western journal of nursing research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.552
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1552-8456
pISSN - 0193-9459
DOI - 10.1177/0193945920949959
Subject(s) - rehabilitation , intervention (counseling) , physical therapy , medicine , disease , cardiovascular event , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , nursing , pathology
Cardiac rehabilitation is important to improve physical activity and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among people who have experienced a major cardiac event. However, poor emotion regulation can make it difficult to change cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of this article was to assess the feasibility of the Regulating Emotions to improve Nutrition Exercise and reduce Stress (RENEwS) intervention, an education program aimed at improving emotion regulation strategies among patients in cardiac rehabilitation. A total of 14 cardiac rehabilitation patients (mean age 61 years) enrolled in five weekly RENEwS sessions. Qualitative analysis of participants' comments was used to assess eight elements of feasibility. In total 57% of participants completed the intervention. Participants thought the intervention was feasible, with strengths in the areas of acceptability, demand, adaptation, integration, and implementation. Other comments regarding practicality, expansion, and perceived efficacy provide guidance for intervention refinement.